Bringing people, places and events to life
I’ll be darned—yet another tree lighting!
Riverview Community Garden’s First Annual Holiday Tree Lighting is this Saturday, December 7th. The festivities start at 4pm with music and treats, followed by the lighting and a special appearance by Santa Claus.
Arrive at the park early to visit the Farms in the Heights’ Holiday Market for gifts and holiday cheer.
Light it up,
JCG
It’s Winter Wonderland Weekend. Project Greenville presents its holiday season celebration, which includes an inspired group art exhibit, music, tasty local treats and a neighborhood raffle (128 Winfield Ave. at Ocean Rd.).
There’s also a Toy Drive Bin—so bring a children’s toy if you’re able to contribute this year.
More info here.
Yet another tree lighting in Jersey City! The Historic Jersey City and Harsimus Cemetery (436 Newark Ave.) hosts its annual Christmas tree lighting and caroling tonight, Friday, December 6th, at 7:30pm.
The Yuletide Carolers of New Jersey and a few surprise guests will be performing. Dress warmly, bring the fam, and please sing along.
As I always say about this non-church affiliated, non-government property, donate if you can. In the cemetery’s words: “Every month we need to raise between $2000 to $3000 just to operate and purchase equipment & supplies. If 300 people would donate only $10 each, we would be all set for the month!” Please help our amazing restoration work by contributing today at http://www.jerseycitycemetery.org.
Holiday cheer is here,
JCG
The 12th annual Newport Tree Lighting is tonight, Jersey City! The event kicks of at 4:30pm at 100 Town Square Place, and once the sun sets, Mayor Steven Fulop will do the countdown to the lighting of the 30-ft. tree. Local NJ media star and Hudson County resident, Marisa Brahney, will be emceeing the entire event.
The lighting will be followed by a synchronized light and music show, and an exclusive Ice Theater of New York performance to mark the opening of Newport Skates—Jersey City’s only outdoor, uncovered skating rink—for the season. After that, the rink (95 River Dr. South) is open to everyone for FREE skating until 8pm.
When you need a break from the action, warm up with hot cocoa, coffee and pastries from Skylark on the Hudson and meet Santa and his elves.
‘Tis the season,
JCG
Con Vivo Music celebrates its 7th season with their 2013 Gala at the Barrow Mansion (83 Wayne St.) this Friday! Get dressed to the nines and perk up your ears for some fabulous Brazilian music at 8pm.
Con Vivo, in their own words, “is a collective of musicians including some of the NYC area’s finest soloists and rising stars. We bring the communal spirit of chamber music to the vibrant and unique setting of Jersey City, organizing and performing free concerts all over town.”
For this night of music, bassist Andrew Roitstein will showcase his arrangements of popular Brazilian tunes, performed by Jersey City guitarist Martin Moretto (founder of Yellow Frog Soul Sessions); Karla Donehew-Perez (violinist of the internationally acclaimed Catalyst Quartet); Zach Herchen (saxophonist and Con Vivo’s new artistic director); CVM favorite Nick Gallas; and Amelia Hollander Ames (viola).
The ensemble will play Andrew’s arrangements of popular Brazilian songs by Pixinguinha, Milton Nascimento, and Chico Buarque, plus a sneak peak at our June performance of Stockhausen’s epic Zodiac sign piece, “Tierkreis.”
Andrew, Nick and Amelia Hollander Ames will play Judd Greenstein’s “Summer Dances,” one of the selections from Con Vivo’s upcoming, Kickstarter-funded CD release “Modern Dances.”
Zach Herchen will perform 2013 Guggenheim fellow Kati Agócs’ virtuosic solo saxophone piece “As Biddeth Thy Tongue.”
After the performance, there will be raffles for: A weekend getaway to the Poconos; tickets to performances by Nimbus Dance Works and Rhymes With Opera; merchandise from local businesses Kanibal Home and JC Made; a signed novel by Emily Barker; CDs by Jersey City musicians; Con Vivo T-shirts; and a Con Vivo hand-made sweater! Con Vivo’s Jersey City concerts are always free, except for this one, because it is their annual fundraiser. Show up and support the Jersey City arts!
General tickets are $35 and “reserved seating” tickets $75, and they include pizza from Two Boots, cupcakes from Cocoa Bakery, snacks, and wine. Order here, or purchase at the door.
Celebrate sound; support the arts,
JCG